Bhutan is renowned for its unspoiled nature, deep spirituality, and a unique approach to societal development. Instead of measuring success through gross domestic product, it uses Gross National Happiness, which is reflected in its respect for tradition, the environment, and community.

Bhutan is considered the last Himalayan kingdom to have preserved an uninterrupted monarchical tradition and a strong national identity. The King is not only a political leader but also a symbol of unity, stability, and care for the well-being of the people. The monarchy is closely linked to Buddhist philosophy, which permeates everyday life, values, and the relationship with nature. The transition to a constitutional monarchy happened peacefully and under the leadership of the King himself—something that has been rare in modern history. Because of this, Bhutan is often seen as the last stronghold of authentic Himalayan culture. Traditional clothing, architecture, religious rituals, and ways of life are not performed for tourists, but remain part of daily life. As the last Himalayan kingdom, Bhutan offers a rare glimpse into a society where development does not mean abandoning identity, but consciously protecting it.

Bhutan has long been on my bucket list. Its tourism is based on the concept of “high value, low impact.” The country is strongly focused on preserving its cultural heritage and natural beauty, emphasizing environmentally friendly practices and socially and culturally appropriate tourism. To support this vision, tourists must pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of 200 USD per day, though it has been reduced to 100 USD per day until 2027. Children aged 6 to 12 pay 50% of the SDF, while children under 5 are exempt. The funds collected through this fee are (at least officially) used for projects that support Bhutan’s development. They are intended to improve infrastructure, provide free healthcare and education, and preserve cultural traditions. In addition, visitors must pay for a tourist visa (40 USD), which can only be obtained after booking a tour through a travel agency.

Because visitors are required to use a travel agency, the overall costs increase significantly, and the price only becomes somewhat reasonable for a group of four travelers. I went with the agency Koryo Tours (6 nights, 7 days), which works through the local tour operator Snow Lion Travel. Beyond the cost, logistics and accessibility are also challenging. There are few international airports, flights to Paro depend heavily on weather and are limited (only two Bhutanese airlines operate them). I chose to fly via Bangkok, and while that route is longer from Europe than going through Delhi or Dubai, I like the city much more and it’s worth the stopover for me.

This difficult accessibility gives Bhutan a special charm—visiting is not accidental, but a deliberate choice. Those who make that choice are rewarded with the experience of one of the most unique and well-preserved countries in the world.